ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Peyton Manning's arrival could be the best thing that ever happened to wide receiver Eric Decker. The same likely will be true for fellow wideout Demaryius Thomas, but it might take a bit longer for the Manning-to-Thomas connection to bear fruit.

Where Decker began working out with Manning a week after the four-time MVP signed a five-year contract, Thomas was a month behind, held back because he'd just had pins removed from his surgically repaired pinkie finger.

The Broncos' Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas connection still is a work in progress. Eventually, the combo should click, but Eric Decker is the No. 1 option for now. (AP Photo)

At times during practice, the timing has been balky between Manning and Thomas, and after Thomas rounded off multiple pass routes in the preseason, there remains lingering concern over the precision of his cuts.

Still, Manning made every effort to incorporate Thomas into the passing game in the preseason. He targeted Thomas seven times—the same number of throws he aimed at Decker, Brandon Stokley and running back Lance Ball. Stokley and Ball are both ex-Colts who know Manning well.

Manning and Thomas will become a potent threat, but expect Decker to be the No. 1 option for now.

Special teams rely on rookies

Kicker Matt Prater, punter Britton Colquitt and punt returner Jim Leonhard are known, experienced quantities. But the success or failure of the Broncos' special teams could rest upon a pair of rookies: undrafted long snapper Aaron Brewer and kickoff returner Omar Bolden.

Brewer was perfect in the preseason in unseating veteran Lonie Paxton, and Bolden showed his explosion with a 103-yard runback at Arizona. Both offer speed and athleticism, but avoiding mistakes will be the top priority.